Apple Original Films lands animated short film "The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse," based on the beloved award-winning book by Charlie Mackesy

Starring Tom Hollander, Idris Elba, Gabriel Byrne and Jude Coward Nicoll, the film will debut on Apple TV+ on Christmas Day

Apple Original Films announced today that the animated short film "The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse," based on the internationally best selling book of the same name by celebrated author Charlie Mackesy, will be coming to Apple TV+ on Christmas Day. The film, featuring Mackesy's distinctive illustrations brought to life in full color with beautiful hand-drawn animation, stars BAFTA Award winner Tom Hollander ("The Night Manager") as The Mole, Golden Globe and SAG Award winner Idris Elba ("Luther") as The Fox, Golden Globe Award winner Gabriel Byrne ("All Things Bright and Beautiful") as The Horse, and newcomer Jude Coward Nicoll as The Boy.

A story of kindness, friendship, courage and hope for viewers of all ages in a heart-warming, classically animated film based on Charlie Mackesy's book, "The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse." The poignant and heartfelt journey follows the unlikely friendship of a boy, a mole, a fox and a horse travelling together in the boy's search for home.

"The journey of making the film of 'The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse' with my incredibly gifted animation team has been a magical one," says author Charlie Mackesy. "I never dreamt it would happen - but it's so moving to think the story will be watched at Christmas. I really hope it brings a bit of joy, laughter and comfort."

Matthew Freud presents a Charlie Mackesy film, produced by Emmy Award winner and Academy Award nominee Cara Speller ("Love, Death & Robots," "Pear Cider and Cigarettes," "Rocket & Groot") of NoneMore Productions and Emmy Award winner J.J. Abrams and Hannah Minghella of Bad Robot Productions. Directed by Peter Baynton ("The Tiger Who Came To Tea") and Charlie Mackesy, the film is adapted from the original book in collaboration with Jon Croker ("Paddington 2"). The film is executive produced by Jony Ive and Academy Award nominee Woody Harrelson ("Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri"). Original score by composer Isobel Waller-Bridge, performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra and conducted by Geoff Alexander.

The film is presented in partnership with the BBC, who will premiere "The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse" in the UK, with the film available on Apple TV+ outside of the UK, this Christmas.

Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all your favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries, and series have earned 278 wins and 1,164 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy "Ted Lasso" and this year's Oscar Best Picture winner "CODA."

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